Forest included January signings Jack Colback, Adlene Guedioura and Castel Pantilimon in their starting line-up, while fellow new additions Lee Tomlin and Ashkan Dejagah both had cameos off the bench.

Joe Worrall had seen a header bounce back off the post, Matty Cash had failed to convert a one-on-one, Ben Brereton had a decent penalty claim turned down, Ben Osborn was denied by a strong save from Marcus Bettinelli and sub Apostolos Vellios saw an effort blocked in the goalmouth, as Forest toiled for a goal.

“We can’t forget that we did not have time to prepare for the game on the (training) pitch, we did not have the time to prepare our new players and we were playing against one of the best teams in the league.

The game was in the balance for long spells, with Forest denying Fulham too many sights on goal.

And they really should have taken the lead when Cash’s determination earned him a one-on-one with the keeper. Bettinelli made a strong save – when Cash might have squared the ball for what would have been a tap-in for Brereton.

“If we would have scored the first goal, perhaps we would have won. You never know,” said Karanka.

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“But the most important thing is that the attitude today was better. The crowd could see 11 players working and fighting together.”

Colback in particular stood out in the centre of the pitch, looking assured and composed every time he got on the ball.

“When I knew Jack was available, it was a nice surprise. He was a player who wanted to come here, so for me that is fundamental,” said Karanka. “He showed that he can be a very good, very important player for us.

“With him and the other players we have brought in, we will be much better.”